Unity in diversity

Women from across the globe raised their flags in unity at the American Women’s Association (AWA) international costume parade … proving that it truly is a small world after all, writes Mai Al Khatib.

More than 113 participants, made up of businesswomen, mothers and their daughters, took to the stage at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa parading the vibrant colours and national dress of their homeland.

The hall was filled with members from the AWA, their families and friends as well as ambassadors’ wives from Indonesia, Italy, India, Oman, Malaysia and the US.

Bonnie Krajeski, honorary president of AWA and wife of US Ambassador Thomas Krajeski, from Saar, said: “The AWA is a wonderful organisation and the members do amazing things from their charity events to their balls. I am proud to be a part of it.

“This event was fantastic. The women really shone in their bright and colourful outfits. I loved how unified everyone was.”

Shaikha Lubna bint Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, president of Bahraini Women’s Development Society, also joined in the celebrations.

Tosin Arowojolu, president of the AWA, said: “This is our first international costume parade and it was choreographed and created by our fashion co-ordinator Adriana Skaloud.

“She was telling me all the things she had done in the past and the different countries she lived in such as Oman, Spain and Nigeria. She mentioned that she did an international parade in both Oman and Nigeria and I said ‘you know that we have to have the same here in Bahrain’.

“We have 45 different countries being represented in the show including the US, Indonesia, Bahrain, Italy, Jordan, Ethiopia, India, Columbia, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Cyprus and many more.

“Basically what we were trying to do was show that we all live in a diverse society. Even within the AWA we have 37 nationalities and we are open to anyone. You do not have to be American to join.

“This event was to celebrate our diversity, share our cultures with one another through our national dress or costumes and just have a good time together. “

The event was brought to life by the models proudly showcasing their outfits and dancing to music associated with their countries.

Housewife Rose Krause, 50, from Adliya, put on quite a performance in her Jamaican dress which she made herself. She said: “The event was fantastic. I got to meet so many people from so many different countries and the costumes were rich and vibrant in colour. It was an amazing affair.”

The audience could barely contain themselves when countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, India, Mexico and South Africa showed-off their cultural dances on stage.

American Mathew Forsythe, 37, director for Manama Training Centre, from Juffair, watched proudly as his wife Kelly danced on stage in her Nigerian costume. He said: “I love that this is an international parade. I think that Bahrain is a very international place and that it’s great for people to express their cultural identity.”